SPECIFIC INFECTIVE DISEASES 153 



under consideration the variety of nervous symptoms 

 become either partly or completely established. In- 

 fluenza as it appears in the civilian stables is a much- 

 dreaded disease, as the horse master knows that it is 

 extremely liable to extend throughout the stud, rendering 

 them for the time being more or less ineffective. Another 

 modification of influenza is found in a Canadian horse 

 disease known as " pink-eye," or '* epizootic " cellulitis — 

 a disease characterised by an oedematous or swollen con- 

 dition of the mucous membrane Hning the eyehd, resulting 

 in the eyes being partially or completely closed. Periodi- 

 cal invasions of this disease make their appearance in 

 Great Britain, and it is a very undesirable complaint to 

 have amongst horses, because for some reason unknown 

 there is habihty to sudden death of the patient, and the 

 percentage of deaths is higher in this trouble than in 

 ordinary influenza. Irrespective of the nature of the 

 prevailing symptoms, all influenza cases require careful 

 nursing, the disease being one that is disposed to run a 

 definite course. It is an equine distemper, and cannot be 

 cut short through the use of medicines or serums. The 

 latter have been a good deal used in the treatment of 

 this trouble, but the results cannot be said to be very 

 satisfactory ; in fact, nothing can be said to favour their 

 use. Influenza is a disease which must be treated in 

 accordance with those symptoms which are the most 

 striking feature of the trouble. The ' amateur should 

 never dabble in the treatment of a complaint of this 

 nature. He will find it much more to his interest to 

 em^ploy professional assistance, as every case must be 

 dealt with on its merits. The animal should be placed 

 under the best conditions possible, and, whenever appHc- 

 able, suitable clothing should be put on the body and 

 flannel bandages on the lim^bs. Imm.ediately a horse is 

 suspected of having this disease it should either be 

 segregated or else isolated. By segregation we mean 

 separation from the rest of the stud, whereas isolation 



